Purchasing gold-plated jewelry offers an affordable way to incorporate some luxurious glamour into your jewelry box. To ensure these beautiful jewelry pieces remain bold and bright with each wear, you'll need to understand the ins and outs of gold-plated jewelry. Gold-plated jewelry owners and admirers often wonder, “Does gold-plated jewelry tarnish?” To answer that question, let’s first explore what gold-plated jewelry is and then explore tarnishing and how to best care for it.
What is Gold-Plated Jewelry?
Gold-plated jewelry is crafted by applying a thin layer of gold onto a less expensive base metal, such as copper or brass, to make the piece more affordable. Gold plating jewelry was first invented by an Italian chemist, Luigi Brugnatelli, in 1805 and is known today as electroplating. This electroplating process involves immersing the base metal piece in a gold solution and passing an electric current through it. Its shimmering, golden exterior, which can range from a pale yellow to a deep, rich hue, is designed to mimic the opulence of solid gold—without the hefty price tag. The gold layer may vary in thickness, but thicker layers generally make the piece more durable and expensive.
How Long Does Gold-Plated Jewelry Last?
The definitive answer to this question is: it depends! The lifespan of gold-plated jewelry can vary depending on several factors, including the thickness of the gold plating, the type and quality of the base metal used, and how its owner cares for the jewelry. Unfortunately, yes, gold-plated jewelry does tarnish. However, with proper care, gold-plated jewelry generally lasts for several years before tarnishing occurs.
How Does Tarnishing of Gold-Plated Jewelry Happen?
Gold plating provides a protective layer to this type of jewelry but is not entirely indestructible. Over time, the gold plating can become thin or damaged due to everyday wear and tear (i.e., friction) or exposure to chemicals, which begins to expose the base metal underneath. Once the base metal (whatever was dipped in the gold) is exposed, it can react with elements like oxygen, moisture or sulfur. This reaction, known as oxidation or tarnishing, causes the base metal to change color. Even though the gold plating may still be present on top, the tarnish beneath can show through, giving the jewelry a tarnished appearance.
The rate of tarnishing can depend on the type of base metal used. For example, copper and brass are more prone to tarnishing than silver. The color of the tarnish also depends on the base metal type - copper can tarnish as green or brown, while silver is more likely to tarnish as gray or black.
Can you Slow Down the Tarnishing Process?
Often, jewelers will apply a thin layer of high-quality nickel to the base metal before the gold plating occurs. This layer, known as a strike layer or flash layer, not only helps the gold better adhere to the base but also serves as a barrier to help slow the wear and tarnishing process and extend the longevity of gold-plated jewelry.
How To Take Care of Gold-Plated Jewelry
While you may not be able to entirely prevent gold-plated jewelry from tarnishing, there are steps that can slow the tarnish process and keep it clean and sparkling for a long time, including properly cleaning, polishing, restoring and handling your jewelry. Here are a few important gold-plated jewelry care tips to keep in mind:
- Avoid harsh chemicals: This is a good practice for most types of jewelry, not just gold-plated jewelry. Chemicals like chlorine, bleach and harsh cleaning agents can damage the gold plating and speed up the tarnishing process.
- Store properly: Proper storage is important for all valued jewelry. Keep your gold-plated jewelry in a soft pouch or jewelry box to prevent scratches and protect it from the elements. It’s also recommended to store your jewelry in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight to hold off tarnishing as long as possible.
- Clean regularly: Cleaning methods for gold-plated jewelry can vary, depending on whether you’re looking for a quick dust-off or a thorough, deep clean.
- Quick, easy cleaning: To clean your gold-plated jewelry quickly, wipe it gently with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove dirt and fingerprints. This may not remove all dirt or grime, but it can polish things up until a more thorough cleaning can occur.
- Thorough cleaning: For those jewelry pieces needing a little more elbow grease, use a mild jewelry cleaning solution and a soft-bristled brush. Avoid harsh chemicals like chlorine, bleach and ammonia, as they can damage the gold plating. A simple solution of warm water and dish soap usually does the trick. Remember to rinse the jewelry thoroughly with warm water and dry it gently with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. It’s recommended to clean your regular-wear jewelry every week or two, and prior to storage.
- Remove gold-plated jewelry before certain activities. To keep your gold-plated jewelry looking its best, you'll want to remove it before engaging in activities that can expose it to harsh elements or damage. This includes activities like swimming, showering, exercising and doing household chores. Chlorine in pool water and other chemicals in cleaning products can react with the base metal and cause it to tarnish or corrode. Additionally, the friction and sweat from physical activity can wear away at the gold plating over time. Taking these precautions can help protect your gold-plated jewelry and prolong its lifespan. Just remember to put your jewelry in a safe place when you remove it!
- Have your gold-plated jewelry re-plated. If your gold-plated jewelry shows signs of wear or tarnish, consider having a professional jeweler re-plate it to restore its luster. The cost to do this will again be determined by how thick the gold plating layer is that you choose to have them put back on your piece. The thicker the gold plating, the higher the price. If you re-plate it with a gold layer that is too thin, you may have to re-plate the piece again, and sooner than you may want to.
Other Considerations and Questions for Gold-Plated Jewelry Owners
Let’s make sure you have all your gold-plated related questions answered by addressing a few common questions:
- What’s the difference between gold-plated jewelry, gold-filled jewelry and gold vermeil? Gold-plated jewelry has a thin layer of gold bonded to a base metal. Gold-filled jewelry has a significantly thicker layer of gold bonded to a base metal, which makes it more durable than gold-plated jewelry. Gold vermeil is a specific type of gold-filled jewelry where the gold layer is at least 2.5 microns thick (a human hair is typically 50-100 microns thick) and bonded to sterling silver.
- Is gold-plated jewelry hypoallergenic? While gold itself is hypoallergenic (meaning the metal doesn't easily react with other substances, including those found on the skin), the base metal used in gold-plated jewelry can sometimes cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. If you have sensitive skin, it's wise to introduce the jewelry to a small area before wearing it regularly.
- Is all gold-plated jewelry the same quality? The quality of gold-plated jewelry can vary greatly depending on three things: how thick the gold-plating is, the quality of the base metal underneath the gold plating, and the overall craftsmanship. If you are purchasing a new piece of gold-plated jewelry, ask the seller for the piece's specific details to make sure you know exactly what you are getting.
- Is gold-plated jewelry always a cheaper alternative to solid gold? While gold-plated jewelry can be more affordable than solid gold, it's not always the case. High-quality, gold-plated jewelry with a thick gold layer can be quite valuable. If you are ever uncertain about the composition or quality of a piece of jewelry, it’s best to consult a professional jeweler.
- Can properly caring for gold-plated jewelry prevent it from tarnishing? While proper care can help to prolong the lifespan of gold-plated jewelry, it's not a guarantee against tarnish. Environmental factors, exposure to chemicals, and daily wear and tear can all contribute to tarnish. With care, you can keep it looking its best, though some tarnishing over time is natural and adds character.
Insuring Your Gold-Plated Jewelry
Gold-plated jewelry is a beautiful option for gold jewelry that doesn’t break the bank. Whether you’re looking to purchase new pieces of gold-plated jewelry or already have some gold-plated pieces in your collection, it’s a good idea to consider having them insured with a personal insurance policy from Jewelers Mutual. By insuring with Jewelers Mutual, you can safeguard your jewelry against damage, loss, and theft. Check your rate below and start protecting your jewelry with the coverage it deserves.
